Immerse yourself in the captivating world of violin sonatas with Gidon Kremer, a renowned virtuoso known for his profound interpretations and technical brilliance. This comprehensive collection, released on Deutsche Grammophon, brings together the complete violin sonatas of three titans of classical music: Ludwig van Beethoven, Robert Schumann, and Johannes Brahms. Spanning an impressive five hours and thirty-eight minutes, this album is a testament to Kremer's artistry and the enduring power of these masterpieces.
The album opens with Beethoven's early sonatas, showcasing the composer's innovative spirit and the development of the violin sonata form. Kremer's renditions are marked by their clarity, precision, and expressive depth, bringing out the unique character of each movement. The "Spring" Sonata, Op. 24, and the "Kreutzer" Sonata, Op. 47, are particularly highlights, demonstrating Beethoven's genius and Kremer's mastery.
The collection continues with Schumann's three violin sonatas, Op. 78, Op. 100, and Op. 108. These works, composed during Schumann's marriage to the virtuoso violinist Wilhelmine Clauss-Schnarndorf, reflect the composer's deep understanding of the instrument and his romantic sensibilities. Kremer's performances are nuanced and evocative, capturing the essence of Schumann's lyrical and introspective style.
The album concludes with Brahms' three violin sonatas, Op. 78, Op. 100, and Op. 108, which are among the most significant works in the violin repertoire. Kremer's interpretations are marked by their warmth, intensity, and structural clarity, revealing the profound emotional and intellectual depth of Brahms' music.
Throughout the album, Kremer is accompanied by pianist Martha Argerich, whose playing is characterized by its virtuosity, sensitivity, and dynamic range. The chemistry between Kremer and Argerich is palpable, resulting in performances that are both technically impressive and deeply moving.
This collection is not just a compilation of sonatas but a journey through the evolution of the violin sonata form, from the classical structures of Beethoven to the romantic expressiveness of Schumann and Brahms. Gidon Kremer's interpretations are a testament to his artistry and his deep understanding of these works, making this album a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts.
Violin Sonata No. 1 in D Major, Op. 12 No. 1: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 1 in D Major, Op. 12 No. 1: II. Tema con variazioni. Andante con motoLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 1 in D Major, Op. 12 No. 1: III. Rondo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 12 No. 2: I. Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 12 No. 2: II. Andante più tosto allegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 12 No. 2: III. Allegro piacevoleLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 12 No. 3: I. Allegro con spiritoLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 12 No. 3: II. Adagio con molt' espressioneLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 12 No. 3: III. Rondo. Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 5 in F Major, Op. 24 "Spring": I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 5 in F Major, Op. 24 "Spring": II. Adagio molto espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 5 in F Major, Op. 24 "Spring": III. Scherzo. Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 5 in F Major, Op. 24 "Spring": IV. Rondo. Allegro ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 10 in G Major, Op. 96: I. Allegro moderatoLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 10 in G Major, Op. 96: II. Adagio espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 10 in G Major, Op. 96: III. Scherzo (Allegro)Ludwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 10 in G Major, Op. 96: IV. Poco allegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 6 in A Major, Op. 30 No. 1: I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 6 in A Major, Op. 30 No. 1: II. AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 6 in A Major, Op. 30 No. 1: III. Allegretto con variazioniLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 7 in C Minor, Op. 30 No. 2: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 7 in C Minor, Op. 30 No. 2: II. Adagio cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 7 in C Minor, Op. 30 No. 2: III. Scherzo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 7 in C Minor, Op. 30 No. 2: IV. Finale. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 8 in G Major, Op. 30, No. 3: I. Allegro assaiLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 8 in G Major, Op. 30, No. 3: II. Tempo di minuetto, ma molto moderato e graziosoLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 8 in G Major, Op. 30, No. 3: III. Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 4 in A Minor, Op. 23: I. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 4 in A Minor, Op. 23: II. Andante scherzoso, più allegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 4 in A Minor, Op. 23: III. Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 9 in A Major, Op. 47 "Kreutzer": I. Adagio sostenuto - PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 9 in A Major, Op. 47 "Kreutzer": II. Andante con variazioniLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Violin Sonata No. 9 in A Major, Op. 47 "Kreutzer": III. Finale. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Gidon Kremer, Martha Argerich
Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1 in G, Op. 78: 1. Vivace ma non troppoJohannes Brahms, Gidon Kremer, Valery Afanassiev
Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1 in G, Op. 78: 2. AdagioJohannes Brahms, Gidon Kremer, Valery Afanassiev
Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1 in G, Op. 78: 3. Allegro molto moderatoJohannes Brahms, Gidon Kremer, Valery Afanassiev
Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 2 in A, Op. 100: 1. Allegro amabileJohannes Brahms, Gidon Kremer, Valery Afanassiev
Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 2 in A, Op. 100: 2. Andante tranquillo - Vivace - Andante - Vivace di più - Andante vivaceJohannes Brahms, Gidon Kremer, Valery Afanassiev
Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 2 in A, Op. 100: 3. Allegretto grazioso (Quasi andante)Johannes Brahms, Gidon Kremer, Valery Afanassiev
Sonata for Violin and Piano No 3 in D minor, Op. 108: 1. AllegroJohannes Brahms, Gidon Kremer, Valery Afanassiev
Sonata for Violin and Piano No 3 in D minor, Op. 108: 2. AdagioJohannes Brahms, Gidon Kremer, Valery Afanassiev
Sonata for Violin and Piano No 3 in D minor, Op. 108: 3. Un poco presto e con sentimentoJohannes Brahms, Gidon Kremer, Valery Afanassiev
Sonata for Violin and Piano No 3 in D minor, Op. 108: 4. Presto agitatoJohannes Brahms, Gidon Kremer, Valery Afanassiev